A scholar's biography, this book will become a standard work for
students of Hobbes (1588-1679). Martinich (Philosophy/Univ. of
Texas, Austin) offers a mixture of personal and intellectual
biography situating Hobbes in historical context as well as
examining his philosophy. The presentation is chronological, with
brief analytical detours to explore texts; Leviathan receives
attention, of course, but also Hobbes's lesser-known and especially
his earlier writings. Disagreements among scholars are noted
throughout regarding not only interpretation of Hobbes's thought,
but also details of his life. Basic facts - e.g., Hobbes's
whereabouts at particular points in time or his relations with
friends and other intellectuals of the day - cannot always be
established unambiguously, and Martinich identifies these cases and
defends his opinion. The result is a catalogue of current thinking
on Hobbes's life, a valuable tool for historians as well as
philosophers. This intellectual tour de force may not appeal to a
popular audience, but it is leavened with occasional glimpses of a
dry wit. For example, after describing Hobbes's monotonous report
on a tour of the continent with the young William Cavendish,
Martinich notes that William's father "was fortunate that Hobbes
could not take photographic slides to be shown in the living room."
We also see Hobbes's personality in these pages, and apparently he
is as cranky and self-impressed as you would expect from his
writings. His inability to gain admission into the Royal Society,
for example, stemmed not only from scientific disagreements, but
also the perception by some members that he would be a "bore."
While "a witty and engaging conversationalist" on occasion, his
belief in absolute sovereignty was matched by a belief in the
absolute truth of his own philosophy, a quality few could find
endearing. Yet there is an intriguing unconventionality to the man:
anyone whose daily routine includes singing to himself because he
believes it contributes to good health can't be all bad. A detailed
and substantial work. (Kirkus Reviews)
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) is now recognized as one of the fathers of modern philosophy and political theory. In his own time he was as famous for his work in physics, geometry, and religion. He associated with some of the greatest writers, scientists, and politicians of his age including Ben Jonson, Galileo and King Charles II. A. P. Martinich has written the most complete and accessible biography of Hobbes available. The book takes full account of the historical and cultural context in which Hobbes lived, drawing on both published and unpublished sources. It will be a great resource for philosophers, political theorists, and historians of ideas. The clear, crisp prose style will also ensure that the book appeals to general readers with an interest in the history of philosophy, the rise of modern science, and the English Civil War. A. P. Martinich is a Professor of Philosophy and the author or editor of nine books, including The Philosophy of Language (1996), Philosophical Writing (1997), and The Two Gods of Leviathan (Cambridge University Press, 1992).
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